Illinois Thumps Maryland, Clinches Seventh Victory as Altmyer Shines in Win
In a dominant performance, Illinois defeated Maryland 24-6, handing the Terrapins their sixth straight loss. Quarterback Luke Altmyer led the charge, throwing for 172 yards and two touchdowns to Hudson Clement, while also rushing for 62 yards.
Clement's three receptions for 72 yards were crucial in Illinois' victory, complementing the team's strong ground game. Kaden Feagin rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown, and Ca'Lil Valentine added another touchdown on the ground.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema praised his team's balanced performance, saying they "did enough good things to win." The offense was particularly inspiring, with the offensive line's play being highlighted as a key factor in the victory.
For Maryland, it was a disappointing end to their four-game winning streak. Quarterback Malik Washington struggled through the air, completing just 25 of 46 passes for 238 yards. Despite DeJuan Williams' eight receptions for 50 yards and a rushing score, the Terps were unable to overcome Altmyer's accuracy.
The loss has ignited concerns about Maryland's coaching situation, with new athletics director Jim Smith taking a closer look at the program under coach Michael Locksley. Locksley remains in his job for now, but his future may be uncertain given the team's recent struggles.
Meanwhile, Illinois is on a roll, having won two straight games since back-to-back losses to Ohio State and Washington. With games coming up against Wisconsin and Northwestern, a four-game winning streak and 9-3 record are within reach, matching the program's record set last season when it finished 10-3.
As for Maryland, they host No. 18 Michigan on Saturday, while Illinois travels to face Wisconsin under Bielema's guidance. The Badgers' former coach brings a wealth of experience to the Illini, who will look to build on their recent victories.
In a dominant performance, Illinois defeated Maryland 24-6, handing the Terrapins their sixth straight loss. Quarterback Luke Altmyer led the charge, throwing for 172 yards and two touchdowns to Hudson Clement, while also rushing for 62 yards.
Clement's three receptions for 72 yards were crucial in Illinois' victory, complementing the team's strong ground game. Kaden Feagin rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown, and Ca'Lil Valentine added another touchdown on the ground.
Illinois coach Bret Bielema praised his team's balanced performance, saying they "did enough good things to win." The offense was particularly inspiring, with the offensive line's play being highlighted as a key factor in the victory.
For Maryland, it was a disappointing end to their four-game winning streak. Quarterback Malik Washington struggled through the air, completing just 25 of 46 passes for 238 yards. Despite DeJuan Williams' eight receptions for 50 yards and a rushing score, the Terps were unable to overcome Altmyer's accuracy.
The loss has ignited concerns about Maryland's coaching situation, with new athletics director Jim Smith taking a closer look at the program under coach Michael Locksley. Locksley remains in his job for now, but his future may be uncertain given the team's recent struggles.
Meanwhile, Illinois is on a roll, having won two straight games since back-to-back losses to Ohio State and Washington. With games coming up against Wisconsin and Northwestern, a four-game winning streak and 9-3 record are within reach, matching the program's record set last season when it finished 10-3.
As for Maryland, they host No. 18 Michigan on Saturday, while Illinois travels to face Wisconsin under Bielema's guidance. The Badgers' former coach brings a wealth of experience to the Illini, who will look to build on their recent victories.
they cant even beat illinois with malik washington at QB what happened? its like theyre stuck in a rut and i dont think coach locksley can get them out of it yet he needs to make some major changes or else theyll be looking for a new coach in 2026 lol meanwhile illinois is on fire 
breit has the team clicking on all cylinders and with games against wisconsin and northwestern coming up next, im thinking 9-3 record is definitely possible 
illinois played solid football too, no question about that, altmyer was on fire 
but i gotta wonder what's goin on with maryland's coaching situation, new athletics director jim smith comin in and takin a hard look at the program... maybe locksley just needs a shake up or somethin 
. It'll be interesting to see how both teams respond to their upcoming matchups against Wisconsin and Michigan, respectively 
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. And on the other hand, Luke Altmyer's stats are legit, no doubt about that! He did throw two touchdowns and rush for some yards too 
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! They're playing really well together as a team and it's awesome to see Luke Altmyer shining through with those 2 touchdowns 
. Maryland's loss is pretty disappointing especially after that 4-game winning streak 
. I'm worried about Maryland though, maybe they need some changes in their coaching situation 
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. Like, 6 straight losses is no joke 
, can't say I'm surprised by the struggles, but still... 
Bielema's team seems solid, though - that offense is firing on all cylinders 
. Maryland needs to step up their game ASAP or they'll be left in the dust 
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wisconsin and michigan are gonna be interesting matchups 
and that lil altmyer dude is straight fire 
dejuan williams is still making plays though and they need him more than ever now. and michael locksley's job security is kinda shaky atm... but you know brent bielema always knows how to get his team hyped, that's for sure 